Composite Pane Display for Traffic Light Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern motor vehicle windshields with integrated components like rearview mirrors and sensors can obstruct the driver's view of traffic lights, especially when stopped, and low sunlight can dazzle the driver, leading to discomfort and reduced attentiveness.
Innovation Solution
A composite pane with an outer and inner glass pane laminated via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, incorporating a display device with a light source that wirelessly receives and reproduces traffic light status information, allowing drivers to view traffic light colors without unnatural postures, thereby enhancing visibility and reducing stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components like rearview mirrors and sensors are arranged at the upper edge of the windshield, then the driver can access these functions, but the driver's view of traffic lights is restricted and low sun can dazzle the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traffic light status display function from the external environment (actual traffic light view) and relocates it to the windshield display device. This allows the driver to view traffic light status through the composite pane without being affected by physical obstructions or sunlight glare, thereby resolving the contradiction between component placement and driver comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the traffic light status (colors and signals) and displays it on the composite pane through the display device. This optical copy allows the driver to perceive traffic light information without directly viewing the actual traffic light, eliminating the harmful effects of restricted view and sun dazzle while maintaining full functionality
2Loss of information
If the driver looks at the actual traffic light to perceive its status, then the driver can see the traffic light colors, but the driver must assume unnatural posture and avert glance from traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by capturing and processing traffic light status information in advance through the receiver unit, control device, and light source system. The display device then presents this pre-processed information directly in the driver's field of vision, eliminating the need for the driver to physically reposition or avert their glance from the road
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the receiver unit, control device, and display device that mediates between the actual traffic light and the driver. This intermediary chain (receiver unit → control device → light source → composite pane) transforms and delivers traffic light status information to the driver without requiring direct line-of-sight observation, thus maintaining natural driving posture
3Loss of information
If additional components are added to the vehicle to provide traffic light status display, then the driver can perceive status information, but the vehicle requires additional energy-consuming and space-consuming components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the receiver unit to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a traffic light status receiver and as part of the driver assistance system for acquiring images and light-optical signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing overall vehicle complexity while maintaining full traffic light status display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the traffic light status display system with the existing driver assistance system components. The receiver unit is integrated to handle both traffic light signal reception and general environmental sensing, and the display device is incorporated into the composite pane structure. This consolidation reduces the total number of discrete components while achieving the desired information delivery function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables drivers to easily and clearly discern traffic light colors, reducing stress and increasing attentiveness while stopped, and improves traffic safety by providing additional visual representation of traffic light status without the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source that emits light for generating optical status information
Implementation Method 2
an outer pane and an inner pane that are joined to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer
Data Source
AI summary
A composite pane for a motor vehicle, includes an outer pane and an inner pane, which are joined to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, and a display device for displaying optical status information with at least one light source, which emits light for generating optical status information, wherein the composite pane is connected to a receiver unit for wirelessly receiving status information of a control system, the light source is provided for reproducing the status information of the control system and is arranged in the composite pane in the intermediate layer between the outer pane and the inner pane.